Student who mainly reheats food
If you mostly prepare single portions and defrost food, a solo model will meet your needs without paying for oven functions you don’t need.
Which option is right for you?
Tenant who wants to cook without an oven
If your kitchen doesn’t have an oven and you plan to cook or brown food regularly, compare the cooking modes on a combination microwave. Then check that its dimensions and ventilation requirements suit your worktop.
Resident with a fitted kitchen
If you have a cabinet designed for a built-in appliance, compare the installation instructions with the cabinet dimensions. The internal capacity alone won’t tell you whether it will fit.
Which features should you prioritise?
When choosing an appliance for a studio flat, start with the cooking you’ll actually do, then check whether the microwave can be installed in your chosen spot. UFC-Que Choisir groups models into solo, grill and combination microwaves according to their cooking functions.
Solo microwave
Choose this if: reheating and defrosting make up most of your use.
Limitation: it doesn’t replace a grill or a fan oven.
Grill microwave
Choose this if: you want to brown food occasionally but don’t need convection cooking.
Limitation: a grill alone doesn’t offer all the functions of a fan oven.
Combination microwave
Choose this if: you’ll regularly use both the grill and fan oven functions in the same appliance.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that combination microwaves cost more. Check their size too before assuming they’ll save space.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this is relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating and defrosting | Check that your plates fit inside the cavity and compare the defrost controls with the features you’ll find useful. | If I mainly reheat single portions, I prioritise these functions over oven modes. Around 36% of consumers put this need first. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Check that it has a grill and a genuine fan oven function, and see which accessories are included. | Without an oven in my kitchen, I want to be able to cook and grill regularly with one appliance. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fitting it into your studio flat | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow for the clearances in the manual. For a built-in model, check the cabinet too. | The space I have determines which appliances I can install and ventilate properly. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Occasional browning | Check that it has a grill and find out which modes can be used with the included accessories. | I’d like to brown a dish from time to time, but don’t need a fan oven. This is a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the space the appliance takes up
A freestanding microwave may fit on your worktop but still lack the ventilation space it needs. Samsung gives general guidance of 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, while noting that the distances vary by model.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
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Choosing a combination microwave just for its extra functions
Its cooking modes may be of little use if you nearly always reheat meals. Size matters too: Panasonic France lists the combination NN-CT55RW as measuring 520 × 391 × 310 mm, before allowing for the clearances needed for installation.
Decide whether you’ll really use the fan oven function. If not, compare the features of a solo or grill model with your needs.
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Installing a built-in model like a freestanding one
A built-in appliance must fit the cabinet and meet its installation requirements. Whirlpool France lists dimensions of 59,5 × 45,5 × 56 cm for the WMW47HMBF; these apply to this model only.
Before ordering, check the cabinet and appliance dimensions, as well as the ventilation requirements in the manual.
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Heating food in packaging without checking it’s suitable
Anses says that heating food at too high a power setting increases the risk of substances migrating from certain food packaging. Not all containers are suitable for every use.
Follow the packaging instructions for power and heating time, and use a container suitable for food contact and the cooking mode you’ve selected, in line with DGCCRF guidance.
Brands to know
Samsung
Samsung France offers freestanding solo microwaves for reheating and defrosting, as well as combination models such as the MC32DG7646CK.
- The distinction between solo and combination models makes it easier to choose according to the cooking functions you need.
- Samsung’s general clearance guidance doesn’t replace the manual for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France features the freestanding MWSC9133SB combination microwave and the built-in WMW47HMBF.
- According to Whirlpool France, the WMW47HMBF combines microwave, grill and fan cooking in a 40 L cavity.
- Its features and dimensions don’t apply to other models from the brand. Built-in installation requires a compatible cabinet.
Panasonic
Panasonic France describes the NN-CT55RW as a 27 L combination microwave with microwave, grill, convection and Air Fry functions.
- The specifications for this model list its external dimensions, 520 × 391 × 310 mm, to help you check whether it will fit.
- These specifications apply to the NN-CT55RW only. Check its manual for clearance requirements and instructions for using each mode.
Microwaves to consider on Joybuy
These models are suited to reheating and defrosting in a studio flat; the Beko also has a grill. Compare their size with the space available and check the installation instructions for each model.
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Beko MGC20100B1 with grill, 20 L
Worth considering if you reheat meals and would also like to brown dishes occasionally.
The product description lists 700 W and a grill function. Check the manual for required clearances and which containers are suitable for each mode.
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Hisense H25MOBS7H solo, 25 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a solo model and have enough room for a 25 L appliance.
The product description lists 900 W. Check the space dimensions and required ventilation clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Heinrich's solo microwave, 20 L
Worth considering if you mainly need to reheat and defrost meals, without a grill.
The product description lists 700 W, six power levels and a 30-minute timer. Check the manual for installation and electrical supply requirements.
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Samsung MS23K3513 solo with quick defrost, 23 L
Worth considering if you want a solo model with a quick defrost function.
The product description mentions a built-in display and LED lighting. Measure the available space, allowing for the clearances required for this model.
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COMFEE CMO‑MP012OC(BK), 19 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 19 L microwave for reheating and defrosting portions.
The product description lists 700 W, five power levels, a 30-minute timer and a 245 mm turntable. Check the external dimensions and manual before choosing where to put it; don’t assume it can be built in.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should you leave around a freestanding microwave?
Follow the clearances listed in the manual for the model you buy. As general guidance, Samsung recommends 10 cm at the back and sides and 20 cm above, but notes that requirements can vary by model.
Do you need a combination microwave to brown food occasionally?
No, a grill microwave may be enough for occasional browning. UFC-Que Choisir says a combination microwave adds oven-style cooking functions, among others; choose one if you plan to use those modes too.
Can you heat a ready-meal tray in any microwave?
Only use the tray in the conditions specified on its packaging and with the cooking mode it’s designed for. Anses warns that heating food at too high a power setting increases the risk of substances migrating from certain packaging. DGCCRF recommends using containers suitable for food contact.
When is a built-in microwave suitable for a studio flat?
It’s suitable if your studio has a cabinet designed for the model you’ve chosen and its manual confirms the dimensions and ventilation requirements. The appliance dimensions alone aren’t enough: check them against the cabinet dimensions too.